196 Columbia Street.

The last some of you may have heard about the Clockworks Puppet Theater at 196 Columbia Street they were raising funds to stay afloat back in October.  Well, they are no longer at that space and we were sad to see them go. They really were a great and unique addition to the neighborhood.  We've just gotten word from the lovely Mary Gaglio that a liquor store will be opening up next at that spot.  More to come when they've opened.

Restore Red Hook Gear.

Check out this "Restore Red Hook" limited edition merch produced by Rockstar Games.  All proceeds go to the Restore Red Hook fund.  You can buy these socks and that cap, seen above and below, online.  The above cap has the restore anchor logo on the back.  For more pics of these items and to purchase, the links are below.

http://deso.to/rrh-socks

http://deso.to/rrh-cap

 

 

JakeWalk Cocktail Class.

We walked by this sign the other day.  "Cocktail Lab 101".  It sounded pretty cool so we thought we'd share it.  As you can see above it's on April 20th 1-3pm at The JakeWalk.  This is a hands on intro class teaching you simple recipes and basic bar tending techniques and allows you to test out your newly learned skills behind their bar.  All that and you get to drink your creations!  Space is tight behind a bar so we'd imagine it'll be a small crew.  Tickets are $65 and you can get them on eventbrite or at The JakeWalk.

Squibb Bridge is Here!

                                                                                                         Brian Driscoll

A lot of people we spoke with about this new pedestrian bridge had no idea that it was in the works.  If you've ever walked down the Brooklyn Promenade and ended up at the north end looking down at beautiful Brooklyn Bridge Park and realized getting there wasn't going to be easy, you'll be happy to know that now it is.  This new bridge takes you directly from Squibb Park in Brooklyn Heights to Brooklyn Bridge Park below.  Apparently the bridge bounces as you walk over it (totally normal) so you'll have a little adventure on your route as well as convenience. 

Passport Download!

Here it is! The passport to download and get stamped starting tomorrow. See you all there!


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Passport to Brooklyn Starts tomorrow!

Explore and enjoy all that Red Hook has to offer starting tomorrow!  The event Passport to Red Hook starts tomorrow and we'd like you all to come out for the kick-off of this week long event, which leads up to the 2013 Red Hook Criterium. Get your passport (we'll post a downloadable version as soon as we get it), then collect stamps from participating locations.  Once you've gotten six different stamps come to our office at 351 Van Brunt between 11am and 5pm on race day, Saturday, March 30th, and claim your prize, a "Limited Edition Red Hook Crit Rockstar Games t-shirt"!  For more info, a list of participating businesses, and to keep an eye out for passports check out the event's facebook page.

Brooklyn Uncorked.

You can now buy tickets for this years 7th annual wine and food event, Brooklyn Uncorked.  It's taking place at Skylight One Hanson on Wednesday, May 29th from 6-9pm.  As you can tell from the name of the event it's all about wine!  New York wine specifically.  You can sample some of the best New York State wines paired with the city's best chefs.  This year they celebrate Long Island Wine Country's 40th year. Ticket prices range from $45-$65 (VIP tickets are $125).  The $45 tickets are already sold out so don't wait too long if you know you want to attend this.  Click here for more info.

More Bike Racks!

We came across this bike rack on Court and Pacific and were very excited to see that this approach is spreading.  We first learned about the idea, to replace "No Standing Zones" with bike racks.  This way people on the perpendicular corner can see the oncoming traffic, a view that would have been obstructed by cars that ignored the "no standing" signs, which seemed to be happening all to frequently.  And more parking for bikes! Keep them coming!

Be a Part of the Brooklyn Farmacy Cookbook!

Here's some exciting news.  The Brooklyn Farmacy is authoring a cookbook! It will consist of recipes as well as soda fountain lore.  Wanna hear some even more exciting news? They want you to be a part of it! They'd like photographs of your experience at the fountain.  You have until April 1st to submit them.  Read more below.

Our book will be published by Ten Speed Press and photographed by Michael Turkell, former photo director of Edible Brooklyn. It's going to be a great book!

BUT.... this it wouldn't be complete without YOU. Over the past three years you have generously sent us the photographs you've taken at the fountain...of your wee ones twirling on red stools, your sweet celebrations and your shared sundaes. We've even got a collection of your dogs patiently waiting outside!

Here's what and how to send.
• A high resolution photograph (300dpi) as a TIFF or JPEG
• Send to: brooklynfarmacycookbook@gmail.com
• Include your name and contact so we can send you a photo release
• If you have any questions on how to do this, please don't hesitate to contact us at brooklynfarmacycookbook@gmail.com
• If you know of someone who would like to participate, but perhaps is not on our email list, please, forward this on!

Union Grounds.

Okay so this place isn't exactly new.  Relatively new.  It's been around for about 6 months now, replacing Sue Perette at 270 Smith, but didn't open with much fanfare or buzz so it sort of slipped under the radar.  We've just now managed to try it out and we were pleasantly surprised.  We heard it was a sports bar and it definitely seems that sports is the major theme here but it's not really "in-your-face" about it the way other sports bars tend to be.  Not a huge beer selection but a few good ones.  We didn't have dinner but the menu looked decently priced and enticing.  We'd love to hear your experience with this place.  Food reviews?

Last Day for Shoe Drive.

The Poly Prep Cambodia Club is having a shoe drive for their sister school in Cambodia.  Shoes of any size can be dropped off at Runnin' Wild Kids Shoes in Cobble Hill at 276 Court.  Today is the last day to drop off shoes. They can be used but make sure they are in good condition.  In addition to feeling good about giving you'll also receive $5 off your next purchase at Runnin' Wild. Time to go through those closets!

Dine In Brooklyn.

The 10th annual Dine In Brooklyn, our hood's restaurant week, has begun!  There are a handful of restaurants in our area on the list and now is a great time to try those you haven't.  Also a good time to venture outside of our general vicinity (yes I said it) and explore other neighborhoods in this awesome borough.  You have until March 21st to make plans for either lunch ($20.13) or dinner ($28).  Dine in!

Caramel Tasting at By Brooklyn.

Spoonable is a Brooklyn-based company that sells caramel sauce...Excuse us a moment while we wipe the drool from my chin...Okay we're back.  By Brooklyn, at 261 Smith Street, will be having a tasting of all the different types of caramels Spoonable has to offer. Aside from their classic salty caramel, they also have spicy chili, chewy sesame, peppered orange, and flowery lavender. March 23rd 2-5pm. Mark it on your calendar!

Red Hook Crit.

We came across this bike race that will be happening in our neighborhood on March 30th. It starts at the cruise terminal in Red Hook and involves racing between "world class road racers, track specialists, bike messengers, and urban athletes competing over multiple laps around a short, technical circuit". It says there will also be a 5K running race on the same day and place. Here's some more info about this. Should be fun to watch!

We were informed (via comment below) that this race in no longer unsanctioned like we had previously  reported.  Good to know.  Thanks!

Name That Lawn Contest.

Here's a fun contest being put on by Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy! They're asking folks to name a lawn on Pier 6.  It doesn't say what you'll win but just having a lawn named after your idea seems pretty cool in itself.  (There will no doubt be some sort of prize as well).  You have until March 20th to think of a name.  For more info visit their site.

Bring Speed Cameras to NYC!

We've signed this form encouraging state legislators to install speed cameras throughout the city and we'd like to share the info.  Go to the transportation alternatives website and simply fill in the form.  After you've hit "send message" it will go directly to a donations page, which you can exit or choose to donate to this organization dedicated to NYC's bicyclists, pedestrians and transit riders, you're call.  This campaign is so important and can save lives while making money for the city...everyone wins! (except for the speeders). 

Levant on Lucky Ant.

Middle Eastern restaurant Levant, on Court Street near Degraw, has a posting on Lucky Ant, a website similar to Kickstarter.  They are trying to raise funds to make some repairs to their facade and interior.  They also would like to fix their gazebo that was damaged during hurricane Sandy.  They are offering some pretty great gifts, including a "Private Party for 30 with Belly Dance" with a $1,500 donation.  In the next 20 days they are hoping to raise $3500, which is very likely.  Last Exit on Atlantic recently raised almost twice that amount to revamp their interior and add some arcade games.  Check out this website for more projects.

15th Eileen C. Dugan Memorial 5K

 Photo: Ken Brown

The 15th Eileen C. Dugan Memorial 5K is now open for registration.  This 5K was held at Brooklyn Bridge Park last year and it's back! It will be held on Saturday, April 6th at 9:00 am this year and although they've added 100 more spots for participants this year it's still going to fill up fast so if you'd like to join do it now and register here today. The proceeds will go back into the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy and all it's wonderful free events and programs!

Dinner at Karloff.

We wanted to share our experience at a delicious local restaurant, Karloff.  We've always passed this Court street restaurant during dinner hours and it's usually pretty empty and like most passers by, we are attracted to the neighboring more lively establishments.  The other day, wanting something quieter we decided to try their dinner menu.  We were sort of blown away.  Everything was delicious, from the latke appetizers to the salmon with white beans, roasted tomatoes and arugula.  Fresh, perfectly cooked, and wonderfully flavorful.  My friend got a burger and even this simple dish was really impressive and sooo tasty.  We just wanted to share our experience.  We were pleasantly surprised and kept thinking, this place should be packed!  If you've wanted to try it, go for dinner. 

Tell Your Story Today!

We want to remind everyone that the Tell Your Story Campaign in Red Hook has begun and the center is open and anyone can drop in during open hours (below).  The first 200 participants will get a $20 gift card to Fairway.

Where: Kentler International Drawing Space, 353 Van Brunt Street

When: March 2 – 5 and March 7-8, from 10am to 6pm

                Saturday March 9 is by appointment only from 9am to 12pm

Who: Anyone with a story to tell about life in Red Hook before, during and after Hurricane Sandy

Ping Pong Wednesdays!

Walking by Alma recently and this sign just popped out!  The sign has been up for a while since it says "starts in November".  But somehow we just noticed it though, it sounds awesome, so we thought we'd share for anyone else who didn't know.  Ping pong tournaments??!! Yes please!! Even if just to watch.  It's the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month and sign up begins at 7pm.  Bar tab prizes! Sorry for all the exclamation points...we're pretty psyched.